I’ve made it. Week one of my freshman year of college is done! Was it anything at all like I imagined it would be? Honestly, yes, besides the amount of walking I’ve done… oof definitely did not expect that. There were some other things too, but I’m getting to those.

Here’s a list of the things that happened that I didn’t expect, but wish I was prepared for ahead of time, and just some overall advice and opinions I’d like to share.

1. Awkward Silence. No seriously, there were so many times that I was standing around waiting for a class to start or in line for a meal with a whole bunch of strangers and literally no one was talking. There’s going to be a lot of those times, but I figured out that if you just (wo)man up and start a conversation that people will join in.
2. Get to know you games. Oh boy. I have shared some “interesting fact” about myself at least 15 times, I’m not even exaggerating. I understand that our professors and RA’s want us to get to know our peers, but standing up and saying my name, major, where I’m from and an interesting fact about myself is really not up my alley. What am I supposed to say on the spot? “Hi I’m Maiya and I like….” I don’t know what I like, dogs? Ice cream? NF? It’s quite the experience, make sure to come up with some interesting facts about yourself BEFORE you move to college.
3. Just go to the events on campus! It’s only your first ever week of college once, and if your campus is anything like mine, they’ve spent so much time, energy and money to put on these events for you. No, you’re not “too cool” to go have some free food and dance to some music or to go play bingo and meet new people. Just do it! Live life to the fullest!
4. You’re gonna get homesick. Unless you’re like a superhero, you’re probably gonna miss whatever you call family, including pets :(. Stay in contact with your fam and make sure someone sends you snaps of your doggy or kitty.
5. Confusion. Man, hun, you’re gonna be real confused. No matter how prepared you think you are, I’m sorry but you’re gonna get lost. I’ve gotten lost probably once or twice every single day. All I’m gonna say is, bring a map, and don’t be afraid to ask for help (or look like a freshman).

I hope everyone has an awesome day, week, month, and heck, even year. Don’t worry boo, you got this. Week 2, here we come.